Encomiums as Abuja fetes minister

He is widely regarded as a democrat par excellence and firm believer in delegation of duties to subordinates.

Little wonder that the Tarnscorp Hilton venue of the reception put together by Captain Shehu Iyal, Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Aviation and some friends in honour of Kabiru Tanimu, Minister for Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs attracted a huge crowd.

Prominent Nigerians and foreigners from all walks of life graced the colourful dinner at which Nigerians were assured that the choice of Kabiru Tanimu (SAN) as Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs was not a mistake.

Though the night was not for speech-making, two dignitaries nonetheless insisted on saying a word or two about the Dan Masani Gwandu who was identified as the youngest northerner to have attained the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) status. He got his SAN in 2002.

Hon Buhari Bala, in his comments said though Tanimu was younger in age, he remained a colossus in politics among his peers and those before him as a result of his doggedness.

“Though he is younger in age, but in politics he is up there. His Machiavellian politics and his leadership style of taking the back-seat when it comes to decision making for his subordinates set him apart because that is a very rare trait among our politicians,” he said.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) top shot, Mr Abu Gumel, an engineer, expressed his optimism that Nigeria stands to benefit immensely from the wealth of experience the young minister is bringing to government.

He cited the tireless work done by the minister during his time as a member of Team Nigeria saddled with the responsibility of raising funds for Nigerian teams to execute the country’s participation in the Olympics.

Gumel said: “He is a tireless team player that is always primed for results. I am very confident that the ministry and the nation by extension would benefit immensely from the experience he is bringing into the Ministry. I am also convinced that the President has not made a mistake by choosing him as a minister”.

The organiser of the event, Captain Iyal said he was not surprised by the accolades showered on the minister, expressing confidence that the country would see more of such commendations coming the way of the minister in future.

“He is not only young, he is energetic, forthright, committed and intelligent, which I’m sure must have been traits identified in him by the President before making him one of his lieutenants.

“The large turnout tonight only goes to show that this is the kind of Nigerians we need to encourage in order to see that Nigeria and indeed Nigerians continue to grow. He has excelled in previous responsibilities given to him, and I have no doubt that he will excel in this new challenge to the betterment of the country,” he said.

The minister, in his appreciation, promised not to let down those who believed in his ability to make a positive difference in the responsibilities given to him by the President.

According to Tanimu, having been exposed to the challenges of governance due to his membership of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), he is now more resolved to contribute his own part to move the nation forward.

While pleading for understanding of Nigerians, the Minister assured that the relative improvement being witnessed in the nation’s transport system, especially rail network, power supply and health care delivery system would be sustained and improved upon.

He said that he was happy to be part of President Jonathan’s team, adding that great things are ahead for the country and its people.